Finger sleeve for use with a touch screen display of an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A finger sleeve ( 105 ) for use with a touch screen ( 103 ) of an electronic device ( 101 ) includes a cloth material forming a sleeve having a lower surface and upper surface. A cleaning pad ( 107 ) is attached to the upper surface of the sleeve ( 105 ). The cloth material is worn on a user&#39;s index finger for contacting the surface of an electronic display ( 103 ) without depositing residue therein.

PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority under 35 USC §119(e) to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/590,918 filed Jan. 26, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a finger sleeve and more particularly to a device for preventing oils and other residue from remaining on a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One problem in using electronic devices with LCD touch screens is the residue from the user's hands and face that is deposited on the surface of the screen. With use, oils, creams and/or makeup from the user's body can remain on the touch screen. This can cloud the display or cause unwanted reflection making the screen difficult to view. This residue often forms fingerprint marks and/or streaks across the screen which can also make the screen unsanitary.

One common complaint with these types of display devices is that users must continually clean the LCD touch screen either using their own clothing or sometimes a tissue. Not only is this cleaning process burdensome, but depending on the materials used, the screen or its associated screen cover can be easily scratched. Accordingly, a device is needed to prevent the deposit of residue on the screen and to easily clean residue from the screen when necessary.

The prior art includes finger cots and finger tip covers for protecting the finger as well as capacitive sensor gloves and finger stylist. These devices do not offer the ability to easily clean and/or allow the user to utilize the touch screen in a manner to prevent residue from collecting on the screen surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve used with a touch screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve bent into position for use with the cleaning pad.

FIG. 3 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve showing the top surface with a cleaning pad.

FIG. 4 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve showing the finger tip having an integrated contact pad.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating tabs for maintaining shape.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve in FIG. 5 illustrating the tab.

FIG. 5B is a side view showing insertion of a tab in the finger sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the finger sleeve using a sleeve having an elastic band around the opening according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve illustrating the elastic band as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating a silicone rubber base for holding the sleeve in a fixed position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the silicone rubber base as shown in FIG. 7

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing the cleaning pad having indicia or advertising embedded therein according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the sleeve showing the use of a conductive thread.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a sleeve bottom illustrating a small size cleaning pad accordingly to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a sleeve having no conductive pad such that the sleeve is made from a conductive elastic fabric according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 12A are side views showing a sleeve manufactured using a fuzzy micro-fiber type material according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a two sided sleeve using a micro-fiber type material that includes a conductive pad which are sewn into the sleeve according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a finger sleeve using pull-on loops according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a carrying case that can be used to carry the finger sleeve.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a finger sleeve. Accordingly, the apparatus components and/or method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve used with a touch screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The finger sleeve system 100 includes an electronic device 101 having a touch screen 103. As is known in the art, the touch screen allows the user to activate and/or deactivate functions of the device by touch symbols and icons appearing on the touch screen 103. Although shown in FIG. 1 as a portable electronic device, the electronic device 101 may also include and is not limited to a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), music player and/or personal computer, point of sale systems, ATM machines, airport kiosks, etc.

In order to utilize the touch screen 103 without leaving residue on the screen's surface, a finger sleeve 105 is positioned and/or placed on the index finger 111 of the user. The finger sleeve 105 is oriented on the finger to a point so that it extends over the second knuckle. In this embodiment, the finger sleeve 105 is a split design having a seam 106 extending longitudinally at the midsection along the length of the finger sleeve 105. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various materials may be used in construction of the finger sleeve 105 and each may have a differing thickness. As seen in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the finger sleeve 105 may further include a cleaning pad 107 that is positioned on the top portion such that it is below the first knuckle. As best seen in FIG. 1, the finger sleeve 105 is made of a soft fabric including, but not limited to, cotton, rayon, nylon or spandex that works to prevent oils and other residue from the user's finger(s) from being deposited on the touch screen 103 while remaining soft to prevent scratching or other damage to the touch screen.

FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system 200 illustrating the user's finger partially bent into position for use with the cleaning pad 107. When used in this manner, the user's index finger 111 is bent forward for allowing the cleaning pad 107 to easily contact the surface of the touch screen 103 of the electronic device 101. In circumstances when the screen needs to be cleaned before use, such as when speaking on the phone and leaving facial oils, makeup, etc., the cleaning pad 107 can prove to be very useful in that dirty or other residue can be easily removed from the surface of the touch screen 107. The cleaning pad 107 allows the finger sleeve 105 to be used without soiling the under surface 113 of the sleeve. If the tip were used, this will dirty or taint finger sleeve 105. Optionally, the cleaning pad can also include a semi-liquid cleaner for facilitating removal of any residue from the touch screen 103. In situations where the touch screen may have capacitive or resistive type properties allowing its operation, a contact pad 115 may also be sewn or joined with the tip of the finger sleeve 105 for allowing more effective use of the touch screen 103.

FIG. 3 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system 300 showing the top surface of the sleeve with a cleaning pad. The cleaning sleeve 105 is typically sized having a length of approximately a distance (d) which defines the distance from the tip of the index finger to below the second knuckle 117. Although the cleaning pad 107 is shown as rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that other alternative sizes and shapes are also possible. The cleaning pad 107 is positioned on the top surface of the cleaning sleeve 105 so that it extends on both sides of the second knuckle 117.

FIG. 4 is a prospective view of the finger sleeve system 400 showing its bottom surface having an integrated contact pad. The integrated contact pad 115 may have a pointed tip and is used for providing a positive contact with the surface of the touch screen. The contact pad 115 often allows the finger sleeve 105 to allow touch screens having resistive, capacitive or surface wave screens to better recognize a user's touch

FIG. 5 is a side view of the finger sleeve showing strips for maintaining shape. FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of the finger sleeve in FIG. 5 showing the strip. FIG. 5B is a side view showing the insertion of a semi-rigid strip or tap into the finger sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. As seen in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, the finger sleeve 105A may include one or more tabs 117, 119 that are inserted into a similarly sized channel formed along the side wall 116 of the sleeve 105A. As the finger sleeve is typically a soft cotton-like material, the tabs are inserted into the finger sleeve 105A so as to make the sleeve more durable for long term use. Although this embodiment is shown with a contact pad 115, it will further be evident to those skilled in the art that the contact pad is optional. As seen through cross-sectional lines VA-VA, FIG. 5A shows the tab 119 inserted with the side wall 116 for making the finger sleeve 105 a more firm and rigid structure. This allows the finger sleeve 105A to be much more strong and robust allowing it to be washed and cleaned over many cycles without ripping or tearing. The channel within the side wall 116 is formed using stitches or other fastening devices 121, 123 for allowing a slot or channel to be easily formed in the side wall. As best seen in FIG. 5B, in order that the finger sleeve 105A can be cleaned and/or used in a washing machine, the tabs 117, 119 may be easily removed from the opening at the end of the channel.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the finger sleeve using an elastic band at opening of the sleeve according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similarly, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the finger sleeve with elastic band as shown in FIG. 6. As seen in both FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A, the finger sleeve 105B is shown having an elastic band 125 positioned around the opening of the finger sleeve to form a base. The elastic band 125 is made of resilient material such as latex, rubber or elastic 127 or the like allowing it to flex yet maintaining a frictional fit around the user's index finger. As best seen in FIG. 6A, the elastic band 125 is formed by folding the other cloth material around the elastic band 127 which is held into place using a cloth stitch 129 or other type of mechanical fastener. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, is shown with a contact pad 115, the embodiment may also be made without the contact pad 115.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the finger sleeve illustrating a silicone rubber base for holding the sleeve in position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. Similarly, FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the silicone rubber base as shown in FIG. 7 As seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7A, the finger sleeve 105E includes a silicone rubber type base 129 that is joined with the inner surface of the cloth side wall 128. Both the inner surface and outer surface forms the shape of the finger sleeve 105C. As seen through sectional lines VIIA-VIIA, the silicone or like material is sewn or otherwise fastened to the inner surface of the cloth wall 128. Use of the silicon material allows the resiliency of the material to grip and/or more effectively hold the base of the finger sleeve 105C around the user's finger while in use.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing the finger sleeve having indicia or advertising embedded therein according to an embodiment of the invention. As best seen in FIG. 8, the finger sleeve 105C can also include a trademark, logo or other indicia printed or embossed on the cleaning pad 131.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a finger sleeve showing the use of a conductive thread. In order to better facilitate recognition of contact by the finger sleeve 105E, a conductive thread 133 can be sewn or formed into the outer cloth material forming the shell of the touch sleeve 105E. Although shown in a serpentine like or zigzag pattern, those skilled in the art will recognize that any type pattern can be used for the finger sleeve 105E for more effective use of the touch screen.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the bottom of a sleeve showing a smaller size cleaning pad compared to those shown in previous embodiments. The sleeve 105F includes using a small size cleaning pad 135 that is located forward of the knuckle for allowing the user an alternative method for using the pad to rub against the surface of the touch screen for removing dirt, oils or other residue. The pad is sized so as not to extend over the bend in the knuckle.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a sleeve using a conductive elastic fabric according to an embodiment of the invention. The elastic fabric 137 is woven under the cloth surface 141 which enables the fabric to grip to the user's finger. This has the effect of holding the sleeve 105G firmly in place in a fixed position on the user's finger during use.

FIGS. 12 and 12A are side views illustrating a sleeve manufactured using a fuzzy micro-fiber type material according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 105H has a fuzzy-like material that might otherwise be characterized as furry or wooly-like material and is used as an alternative to the cotton or materials using in prior embodiments. As seen in FIG. 12A, the underside or tip of the sleeve 105H may include a conductive pad or thread as described herein for facilitating use with an electronic touch screen.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a two sided sleeve using micro-fiber type material and a conductive pad/thread/material which are sewn together according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 1051 includes a microfiber material 147 on the back side of the sleeve and a cotton like soft material 149 on the front side of the sleeve. These materials are sewn together along seam 151. As noted herein, the materials 147 and 149 may have a different thickness. A conductive pad or alternatively a conductive thread like material 153 can be used at the tip of the finger sleeve for facilitating an improved contact with an electronic touch screen.

FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a finger sleeve using pull-on loops according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 105J includes a cleaning pad 154 as well as one or more pull-on loops 156 located at the bottom or open end of the finger sleeve. The loops 156 extend from the outer surface of the sleeve to create a cloth loop for allowing the user to more easily pull the sleeve onto the user's finger.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a purse or carrying case that can be used to carry the finger sleeve. The carrying case 155 is shown with a finger sleeve 155 positioned therein. The carry case may further include a key ring or key chain 159 used for joining various types of keys 161 to the carrying case 155. The carrying case 155 allows the finger sleeve to be easily transported without it being misplaced or lost allowing for easy location when needed.

Thus, the present invention is a finger sleeve manufactured of a soft cloth material for allowing the user to contact the surface of a touch screen without leaving fingerprints or other residue. The finger sleeve may also include a cleaning pad located over the user's second knuckle for allowing the user to easily clean residue from a touch screen without soiling the contact area of the finger sleeve. The finger sleeve is easy to use relieving the user of the burden of constantly cleaning the touch screen surface.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued. 

I claim:
 1. A finger sleeve for use with a touch screen of an electronic device comprising: a cloth material forming a sleeve having a lower surface and upper surface; a cleaning pad attached to the upper surface of the sleeve; and wherein the cloth material is worn on a user's index finger for contacting the surface of an electronic display without depositing residue therein.
 2. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the soft cloth material is at least one from the group of cotton, rayon, nylon or spandex.
 3. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad is positioned over the user's second knuckle.
 4. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad is used to clean residue from the touch screen.
 5. A finger sleeve as in claim 4, wherein the residue are at least one from the group of fingerprints, facial oils and makeup.
 6. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, further comprising a conductive thread sewn within the tip of the sleeve for facilitating use of the sleeve with the touch screen.
 7. A finger sleeve as in claim 6, wherein the conductive thread forms a conductive pad.
 8. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, further comprising an elastic band attached at the base of the finger sleeve for holding the finger sleeve to the user's finger.
 9. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the finger sleeve is comprised of a two-ply material.
 10. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the two-ply material includes an elastic layer for holding the finger sleeve to the user's finger.
 11. A finger sleeve for use with an electronic device touch screen comprising: a cloth sleeve having an upper surface and lower surface and a first end and a second end; a cleaning pad attached to the upper surface of the cloth sleeve near the first end thereof; an elastic band positioned at the second end for holding the finger sleeve about the user's finger; and wherein the cloth sleeve is warn on the user's index finger for touching the surface of the touch screen with the lower surface of the cloth sleeve for preventing residue from the user's finger from transferring to the touch screen.
 12. A finger sleeve as in claim 11, wherein the cloth sleeve material is at least one from the group of cotton, rayon, nylon or spandex.
 13. A finger sleeve as in claim 11, wherein the cleaning pad is positioned over the user's second knuckle.
 14. A finger sleeve as in claim 11, wherein the cleaning pad is used to clean residue from the touch screen.
 15. A finger sleeve as in claim 11, wherein the residue are at least one from the group of fingerprints, facial oils and makeup.
 16. A finger sleeve as in claim 11, further comprising a conductive thread sewn within the tip of the sleeve for facilitating use of the sleeve with the touch screen.
 17. A finger sleeve as in claim 6, wherein the conductive thread forms a conductive pad.
 18. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the finger sleeve is comprised of a two-ply material.
 19. A finger sleeve as in claim 1, wherein the two-ply material includes an elastic layer for holding the finger sleeve to the user's finger.
 20. A touch screen actuation device warn about a user's finger comprising: a cloth sleeve having an upper surface, a lower surface and an open end; a cleaning pad attached to the upper surface of the sleeve; a conductive thread sewn within the tip of the cloth sleeve for facilitating use of the sleeve with the touch screen; and wherein the cloth sleeve is worn on the user's index finger so as the lower surface is used to contact the surface of the touch screen for preventing residue from being transferred thereto. 